The Youth and Corruption
One of the major inadequacies when discussing matters of corruption has been the general absence of the youth. All too often, these discussions have targeted a mature audience and the macro-economic implications of corruption. This has a detrimental effect on anti-corruption measures, as young people have failed to embrace corruption as one of their main advocacy issues. Unlike concerns such as crime and violence, youth unemployment and underemployment, the environment, among others, corruption remains on the periphery of youth advocacy.
Youth vulnerable to corruption effects
Yet, corruption is a matter that youth advocates ought to prioritised since the youth are highly vulnerable to its effects. This vulnerability is evidenced by the fact that young people are generally dependent on social services, not well politically connected and are financially insecure due to matters such as high unemployment. In Barbados, 29 percent of young persons between 15-30 are unemployed and over 70 percent of secondary school leavers are unable to quickly find employment.
Corruption hurts youth entrepreneurship
These factors and statistics ought to capture the attention of young people and youth advocates as these vulnerabilities can be exacerbated by corruption. When public officials and private individuals engage in corrupt business practices such as bribery to solicit business contracts, grants, loans and other business inputs, this creates an unfair and uncompetitive business environment. Such business environments are concerning as today’s youth possess a robust entrepreneurial spirit that inclines them to establish their own businesses. Yet, youth small business success will be dependent upon a fair business environment, as the youth are neither financially or politically capable to gain undue business advantages through corrupt practices, nor should they have to.
Corruption undermines youth employment
The socio-economic viability of the youth is also undermined by corrupt practices such as nepotism. Although millennials are the most educated generation in history, this often does not translate into sufficient employment opportunities due in part to nepotism. Nepotism often circumvents meritocratic principles, as young people’s skills, creativity, insight and capabilities are side-lined by political and business connections. This consequently produces numerous concerns for the youth and the society at large. Youth productivity can be undermined, a growing sense of youth apathy arises, and matters of migration and brain drain, are all potential implications of nepotistic hiring practices.
Corruption hinders youth development
Moreover, the youth ought to be concerned about corruption, since corruption in the public sector reduces the resources that are available for youth development and empowerment. Government funding and institutional support for education, grant funding, sporting and community activities, are all vital aspects of youth development and sustainability. Yet, due to corrupt practices such as misfeasance in the awarding of contracts, embezzlement, among others, the resources that are necessary to finance youth development are lost.
Corruption cost the youth their livelihoods
Additional matters that continues to plague the youth that have direct correlations with corruption are matters of crime and gun violence. When public officers at various points of entry are willing to accept bribes, or well-connected individuals give orders to permit the passage of illegal weapons and drugs, young people’s security are negative impacted. The existence of contraband on our streets have cost many young adults their livelihoods and their lives, as a majority of perpetrators and victims of the murders for 2019 have been young people.
Ultimately, acts of corruption robs the youth of a high quality of life and a sustainable future. It is on these bases that greater attention must be paid towards involving the youth into anti-corruption measures and discussions. This can be achieved through education, bringing various youth groups on board in policy formation, and guiding anti-corruption discussions towards youth issues. These are necessary as youth inclusion can develop the capacity to effectively address corruption and integrity concerns.